We take three new ultra compact camcorders for a spin at the CES show floor in Las Vegas. What can you expect from these tiny HD shooters?
| Samsung SC-HMX20C |
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 We were thoroughly impressed by the specs on the SC-HMX20C, with Full HD 1080p recording @30fps, a 2.7-inch touchscreen as well as HDMI output and an included docking cradle. We were surprised to see a high-speed shooting mode (300fps), but unfortunately it doesn't record in HD. Samsung definitely chose the fastest and most versatile of storage modes, with 8GB of internal flash memory, along with an SDHC slot for expandable memory. If it performs as well as its stats sheet looks, it should be a winner. Release: June 2008.
Pros: 1080p video, internal and expandable flash storage, high speed shooting
Cons:
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| Sanyo Xacti HD1000 |
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 The Sanyo Xacti HD1000 is an Xacti camcorder than insists on being taken seriuosly. We actually like the slight bit of extra bulk that the HD hardware seems to add to the device, it makes the camcorder feel less like a toy. And, with Full HD video recording, this is certainly no toy. We agree with company reps that dropping the still megapixel count was worth the HD video upgrade, mostly because this HD camera is so small that we could drop it in our pocket while we heft our giant DSLR. Release: January 2008. Price: $800.
Pros: Full HD video recording on a a pistol-sized camcorder.
Cons: Bigger than previous Xacti camcorders. Still imaging takes a hit to improve video.
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| Sanyo Xacti HD700 |
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 Sanyo's new Xacti HD700 camcorder is really a compromise, though you wouldn't know it if you weren't familiar with the company's HD1000. Instead of Full HD, users will only see 720p recording, but get a higher megapixel count on the still images. Frankly, we're more interested in using these for video than as an all-in-one, but the tiny pistol-grip form might appeal to users who get addicted to carrying less. Release: October 2007. Price: $600.
Pros: Small size for real HD recording. Higher megapixel stills than its larger brother, the HD1000.
Cons: We're skeptical about image quality on such a small all-in-one camera.
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Palpable |
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Philip Berne, Matthew Ruiz, Edward Distel and Sindre Lia contribute to the CES 2008 coverage.
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